Page 108 of A Fate so Cruel

Rion watched her go and despite the temptation, he returned to their camp. He wouldn’t push her into anything she didn’t want. That wouldn’t be fair for either of them.

Once she’d cleaned herself up and Rion had washed, they ventured the rest of the way to Whiteridge in silence. He caught her staring several times, but she always looked away.After the mission, he told himself. It wouldn’t take much longer. Once they were back in Nàdair, he’d ask her on a real date and see exactly how far she was willing to go.

They found the city before sunset and Selina whistled at the size.

“I take it you’ve never been?” he asked.

“I have, it’s just been a long time.” Her eyes traced over the three-story buildings and bustling streets. “Please tell me the food is still good.”

“Delicious,” he confirmed and meant it. Saoirse had brought him a few years ago, back when no one this far south knew him as The Demon. He’d been blissfully unrecognizable. Most probably still wouldn’t recognize him if he kept his magic to himself, which wasn’t in the plans.

“You know,” he started. “We could try to sneak in, blend with the crowd for a bit before they figure out who I am.”

“You think they won’t recognize you?”

He shrugged. “It’s worth a shot.”

She looked at his arm. “I don’t suppose I can play overprotective girlfriend, seeing as you’re almost healed.”

“Sure you could. I’ll roll my eyes and everything.”

She shook her head. “We’ll see how they react at the gates and go from there.” Selina batted her eyelashes. “I could always grab your arm and feign the utmost concern for your safety.”

“They’d run just to get away from you.” She slapped his arm and they laughed.

The pair ventured closer. Unlike Fernsworth and the smaller villages, the gate to Whiteridge was closely guarded by sentinels on full alert. Their hands rested on their weapons and tightened upon seeing the two.

Rion let his sand billow up and around their bodies. Selina tried to slow, likely to talk, but Rion kept walking, tugging her along, her arm once again in his.

Recognition flashed across their faces and the guards drew their swords. Not exactly the greeting he’d hoped for.

“My Lord,” one male said, his voice strained. He didn’t bow or incline his head. “We were instructed to escort you to the governor’s estate upon your arrival.”

Rion lifted a brow. “Am I expected?”

“No, My Lord, it’s simply a courtesy. Special rooms have been prepared for any who visit from the capital city.” As if he’d ever sleep in those. It had assassination written all over it.

“I’ll make my own arrangements.”

The guard stepped into Rion’s path. “The governor insists.”

Rion raised a brow. “Am I to be denied entry into the city if I refuse?”

“O-of course not,” he fumbled. “I—”

“Thenmove.” The male stepped back, opened and closed his mouth, then decided against whatever he’d been about to say. Rion stalked past, but stopped just inside the gate. He eyed the male, barely suppressing a snarl. “If the governor wishes to see me, he can request my presence. Otherwise, I’m afraid I’m busy.” Rion wrapped one arm around Selina’s shoulders. “I’d appreciate not being disturbed. It’s almost the solstice, after all.”

All six guards took Selina in at once. The way she leaned into Rion. Her hand delicately draped around his arm. The shy smile she offered to the male she claimed to love.

Their eyes widened in surprise and Rion turned, giving them his back. He counted his steps, waiting for the battle cries and hurried footsteps.

They never came. Maybe those in the south valued their lives more than the Fae up north.

A pleasant floral aroma greeted him as he paraded down the main road. The cobblestones were perfectly placed and those ambling up and down the sidewalks didn’t look at them twice. He’d already let his magic fall. It would be nice, pleasant even, to experience the city from a tourist’s point of view before the world recognized him as the monster from their nightmares.

Vendors were already set up, selling their wares despite the festival being a while off. He knew more would arrive over the course of the next week. Then the streets would be crowdedas bodies pressed into one another, seeking stall after stall of finery and goods.

As they passed through the streets, Rion watched some Fae position ladders before carrying large streamers up to the second-story balconies. They fashioned them with vines and plant life, coaxing the flowers into full bloom.

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